According to the National Council of Provinces’ (NCOP) chairperson for Oversight and Institutional Support, Winnie Ngwenya, residents wants this issue to be dealt with. This Parliament Committee is on a week-long visit to the province to assess the impact and role the mining companies play in the lives of communities.

ALSO READ: Northern Cape mining industry in spotlight during oversight visit

The province is no exception to illegal mining activities by the so-called zama-zamas, who are mainly from the neighbouring countries which include Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and some are from South Africa. Ngwenya previously told OFM News that residents also accused the mining companies of neglecting their responsibilities and duties.

Ngwenya said these residents allege that they are not benefiting whilst the companies continue to make fortunes via mining activities with the help of their communities. The Northern Cape has about 8% of the workforce in the mining industry and contributes 23,4% to the province’s economy.

“The focus on the Northern Cape Province is designed to develop a greater understanding of service delivery challenges that may be unique to mainly rural provinces, with widely dispersed communities that are often not within close proximity to infrastructure such as tarred roads, electricity supply grids, or municipal offices,” she added.

Recently the illegal mining activities have been in the spotlight across at least two provinces, which include the North West and Gauteng, where the zama-zamas were nabbed by the police.

Over 50 illegal miners, who are said to be in the country illegally, were arrested for raping 8 women at Krugersdorp while shooting a music video at a mine dump.

A few days later a group of miners were arrested in Klerksdorp by police.

OFM News